"U Sfuagghiu"
the famous dessert of Polizzi Generosa

Among the many treasures that the village guards, one stands out for its sweetness and uniqueness: the Sfoglio di Polizzi Generosa, for which it is the birthplace.
This dessert represents the gastronomic excellence of Polizzi, a timeless symbol that encapsulates centuries of history and tradition.
Sfoglio has ancient origins, dating back to the 1600s and 1700s, when the Benedictine nuns of the monasteries of Santa Margherita and Santa Maria delle Grazie — known as the Old Abbey and the New Abbey — created this delicacy.
The origin of the dessert is linked to the celebration of Saint Benedict and the visit of Count Ruggero to Polizzi during the summer, a period when the ricotta traditionally used in sweet preparations was not of good quality, being watery and having an unpleasant taste. The nuns therefore decided to use sheep tuma, creating this unique dessert that gained fame and appreciation over the centuries.
These sacred places, true repositories of artistic and architectural treasures, were also cradles of a culinary art that still fascinates and delights today.
The nuns, belonging to noble families, used genuine and local ingredients, creating a simple yet unmistakably flavored dessert.
The filling of Sfoglio, in fact, skillfully combines chocolate, cinnamon, sugar, and the principal ingredient: tuma, a sheep cheese at its first maturation.
Tuma was offered by the shepherds of the Madonie as payment for the use of the lands granted to them by the nuns, an unbreakable bond between the land, religion, and cuisine. Over the centuries, Sfoglio has surpassed the confines of the monasteries, entering the homes of the families of Polizzi Generosa.
After the closure of the convents, the nuns spread the recipe within their families, transforming this dessert into a common heritage.
Today, every family preserves its own version, passing down the recipe from generation to generation.
During festivities and special occasions, grandmothers, mothers, and daughters gather in the kitchen to prepare Sfoglio, filling homes with aromas that evoke childhood memories and moments of joyful conviviality.
Savoring a slice of Sfoglio is an experience that goes beyond simple taste: it is a dive into the centuries-old traditions of Polizzi Generosa.
This dessert can be enjoyed in the homes of the inhabitants or in local pastry shops, perhaps accompanied by a typical Sicilian beverage.
Whether for breakfast, a sweet snack, or to conclude an important meal, Sfoglio always represents an excellent choice.
Walking through the panoramic squares or the charming medieval alleys of the village, it's easy to be tempted by a slice of this dessert, perhaps offered with a smile as a gesture of hospitality and affection.
Sfoglio di Polizzi Generosa is not just a dessert: it is a symbol of unity and generosity, a heritage that tells the story of a village and its people.
Each slice encapsulates the authentic flavors of the Madonie and the passion of those who, even today, continue to pass down this tradition with love and dedication.